By: Kristin Reynolds
LOS ANGELES, April 25: Cedars-Sinai experts and prominent scholars of religion, Jewish law and ethics are coming together on May 3 for a free public discussion focusing on the ethical, moral and theological questions that can result from medical breakthroughs.
The May 3 panel discussion, “Informing Innovation: Emerging Medicine and Jewish Ethics,” begins at 9 a.m. and features experts focusing on the latest advancements in genetic and genomic testing, as well as gerotherapeutics—drugs that target the biological processes of aging.
“What was once considered science fiction is now real, and as scientific and medical innovation accelerate, the question is no longer just what’s possible—but what’s responsible,” said Rabbi Jason Weiner, PhD, senior rabbi and director of the Spiritual Care Department at Cedars-Sinai. “As a faith-based institution, we believe it’s essential to explore the science and its ethical, moral and theological implications. This event creates space for those conversations so people can make more informed decisions about their health.”
Topics Include:
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What research shows about emerging “anti-aging” therapies
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Clinical trials targeting the root causes of aging—and the potential impact on cancer, dementia, heart disease and other conditions
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The difference between evidence-based medicine and widely marketed but unproven products
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What genetic testing can and cannot reveal
“Advancements in genomic technologies have bolstered the promise of solving medical mysteries, predicting future health risks, and advancing personalized medicine,” said Joyce So, MD, PhD, chief genomics officer at Cedars-Sinai and a speaker at the event. “But that promise also raises ethical and theological questions. Asking those questions now helps ensure we use these powerful tools wisely.”
So’s presentation will explore direct-to-consumer genetic testing, genetic discrimination, privacy and confidentiality concerns, predictive testing without clear treatment options, and disparities in access to—and understanding of—genetic information.
James Kirkland, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Advanced Gerotherapeutics at Cedars-Sinai, will address common misconceptions about longevity science, including the gap between promising research and proven therapies. He also will discuss lifestyle interventions being studied now and how emerging gerotherapeutic approaches could reshape clinical care in the next decade.
“If scientists can safely slow the fundamental processes of aging, the impact could extend across many diseases at once,” Kirkland said. “Early clinical trials are already exploring how conditions linked to aging, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, begin developing long before symptoms appear. If these approaches prove safe, the next step could be preventing disease in people at high risk.”
Kirkland also will share his team’s research into removing damaged “aging” cells or preventing them from releasing harmful substances that contribute to disease and decline later in life.
Other event speakers include Rabbi Elan Segelman, U.S. rabbinic director of PUAH; and internationally known Torah scholar Rav Asher Weiss Shlit”a, who will give the keynote address.
“Informing Innovation: Emerging Medicine and Jewish Ethics” will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harvey Morse Auditorium, 8701 Gracie Allen Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90048.
